PRESIDENT/CEO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

The President/CEO performs highly professional management and administrative work in planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing the economic development programs under the control of the CEDC in accordance with short and long- term work plans of the organization’s Board of Directors, including active efforts to attract, expand, enhance and retain business and commerce in Cabarrus County and its municipalities.

Salary range $108,721.60 - $169,478.40 (Plus an excellent benefits package)

CEDC employees are Cabarrus County Government employees with county benefits. The President/CEO will answer to the CEDC Board of Directors.

Examples of Duties

Function

The President/CEO of the CEDC performs highly professional management and administrative work in planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing the economic development programs under the control of the CEDC in accordance with short and long- term work plans of the organization’s Board of Directors, including active efforts to attract, expand, enhance and retain business and commerce in Cabarrus County and its municipalities.

Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the President/CEO is expected to exercise a high degree of independence, initiative, ethics, and professional expertise in the operation of the CEDC's economic development programs. The President/CEO is responsible for coordinating the CEDC's economic development activities with state and local government entities and the CEDC Board of Directors. Responsibilities include retaining, expanding and attracting business and investment to the area.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Implementing all policies adopted by the CEDC Board of Directors and shall manage and direct the operation of the business of the CEDC and its employees.
2. Staffs meetings of the Board of Directors, executes any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments which the CEDC Board of Directors have authorized to be executed, except in cases where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the CEDC or by the CEDC's Bylaws.
3. Collaborating, supporting and communicating with the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce, Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and other critical community partners, for the betterment of Cabarrus County.
4. Preparation and ongoing management of an annual list of measurable goals, to be approved by the CEDC Board of Directors. Provide Board bi-annual progress updates.
5. Preparation and ongoing management of an annual balanced budget to be adopted by the CEDC Board of Directors. Administers the budget in accordance with program goals and objectives.
6. Manages effective Business Retention & Expansion program, which includes strategic and consistent contact with existing businesses, and which positions the CEDC as a resource to help remove obstacles that might hinder expansion.
7. Promotes partnerships that foster entrepreneurship and support workforce development efforts.
8. Actively recruits new businesses. Manages new recruitment projects, serving as initial contact for prospective industries and businesses considering Cabarrus County.
9. Implementation of an annual Program of Work, to be approved by the CEDC Board of Directors.
10. Meets with outside agencies and the public including developers, members of the business community, and citizens' groups to explain and promote the CEDC's services, programs, policies, procedures, goals, and objectives related to economic development.
11. Interacts with state and local government officials, Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau representatives, private-sector companies, economic development professionals, and any others to effect changes in local/state policies to encourage new development that aligns with the goals of the County, its municipalities, and the CEDC Program of Work.
12. Serves as liaison to the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners, five (4) municipal elected boards, the Water and Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County, the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau regarding economic development issues, attending meetings when appropriate.
13. Coordinates efforts with the County and municipal economic development staff in short and long-range planning goals for economic development programs.
14. Actively involved in the activities of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
15. Assists new and existing business with guidance through the development process including financing advice regarding federal, state, and local grant and assistance programs.
16. Works with the Board of Directors and appropriate committees of the CEDC to recruit new private sector funding partners, strengthen the organization and seek new investor opportunities for the CEDC.
17. Facilitates new CEDC Board member orientation sessions.
18. Presents a positive and professional image of the Cabarrus County locally and beyond.
19. Maintains contact with news media where such contact is related to CEDC business.
20. Maintains professional relationships and is active in local, regional, state, and national economic development networks and associations.
21. Preparation and ongoing management of a Product Development strategy, that includes forming effective relationships with land developers, land owners and brokers.
22. Performs other duties as assigned/directed by the CEDC Board of Directors.

Management Skills/Abilities

The President/CEO shall possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to:

1. Develop, implement and track economic development programs and techniques in an effective manner.
2. Be a team player and work cooperatively and effectively with a diverse group of local and regional stakeholders and the general public.
3. Effectively relate to and communicate with the various public and private organizations associated with community economic development and community betterment.
4. Electively manage and develop CEDC staff.
5. Utilize knowledge and experience in business trade, taxation and financial inducements, governmental affairs and public relations to facilitate economic development activities and growth.
6. Maintain accurate and up-to-date demographic and economic information on Cabarrus County and its municipalities to be made available both on the CEDC website and to potential economic development prospects.
7. Implement effective systems allowing developers, brokers or potential prospects to easily identify land, buildings, and commercial lease availabilities in the area;
8. Maintain an up-to-date website with all pertinent information for potential investors, developers, brokers or potential prospects.
9. Identify and develop resources to address issues raised by potential prospects.
10. Provide reports and represent the CEDC on economic development matters at Municipal, County and Chamber of Commerce meetings and workshops as needed or as directed by the CEDC Board of Directors.
11. Negotiate informal agreements with corporate officials, owners, architects, contractors, developers and others.
12. Serve as liaison between staff of various governmental entities and potential developers to coordinate interactions, ensure equity, avoid delays and facilitate development.
13. Be knowledgeable in and ensure compliance with all laws, rules and regulations governing the CEDC and its operation.
14. Utilize technology to include websites, blogs and social media to enhance the image, communications efforts and overall effectiveness of the CEDC and its efforts.

Minimum Education / Experience requirements

Experience, Training, and Personal Attributes:

The President/CEO:

1. Has an equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Economic Development, Business, Public Relations, or a related field from an accredited college or university, Master's degree in related field preferred as well as completion of the Basic Economic Development Course of the Economic Development Institute. Certification as a Certified Economic Developer (CED/CEcD) preferred but not required.
2. Has at least seven (7) years professional experience in economic development, business development or related roles, with a minimum of three (3) years of administrative and management experience.
3. Is self-motivated and a results-oriented individual able to work with the Board of Directors and a diverse group of key stakeholders.
4. Maintains professional affiliations to enhance professional growth and remain current with the latest trends, techniques and technologies for economic development.
5. Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills to be used with the CEDC staff, Board of Directors, citizens and media, as well as good listening skills.
6. Is able to anticipate potential issues, identify alternative courses of action, and prepare proactive recommendations.
7. Has significant experience with computers and high-level mastery of or capacity to quickly learn software utilized by the CEDC, including Microsoft Office Suite, the internet, and network applications.
8. Is willing and able to work beyond what is considered a standard work day/week as this is an exempt position. The position will require after hours work to successfully implement programs, meet prospects and conduct CEDC business. These responsibilities will sometime require travel, both in and out of the boundaries of the CEDC including occasional international travel.
9. Possesses an appropriate, valid North Carolina driver's license within 30 days of employment.